Implications of President Trump and the First Lady Testing Positive for the Coronavirus

We were all stunned this morning to hear that President Trump and the First Lady have tested positive with the coronavirus.  Fortunately, medical science has learned a lot about this deadly virus over the last few months and has treatment options that significantly improve the chances of a full recovery. We also know the effects of this virus vary greatly from person to person, with some exhibiting no symptoms and some becoming severely ill. The President is at higher risk, but he is very likely to make a quick and full recovery. President Trump and the First Lady are in our prayers.

The President’s coronavirus diagnosis will have no effect on our national security. Vice President Pence has tested negative and has had no recent contact with the President. Moreover, with the treatment options now available, the odds of the President becoming incapacitated are very low. The Trump administration also has planned for this possibility. Fox News reporter Gillian Turner tweeted this morning:

#NationalSecurity sources confirm the #1 priority in light of President Trump’s #COVID19 diagnosis is CONTINUITY OF GOVERNMENT. Signal to American ppl & world US government is still fully operational

— Gillian Turner (@GillianHTurner) October 2, 2020

(2) there is a White House led group called the COG/COOP (continuity of Govt & operations) that plans for just this type of major, disruptive event (POTUS getting sick). Group’s priority now
1. Avoid mass outbreak among staff
2. Relocate key staff to different locations

— Gillian Turner (@GillianHTurner) October 2, 2020

I will be discussing this situation with Gillian Turner over the weekend on Sunday at 1:20 PM EST on Fox News.

I do not believe America’s enemies and adversaries will try anything due to the President’s diagnosis. It appears our enemies and adversaries have been laying low until they know the winner of the 2020 presidential election. I believe this will continue until after the election and that global threats to our country will surge after election day. The Center for Security Policy has been strategizing post-election national security threats and will begin a program to help the next administration address these threats after the election.

The President and the First Lady testing positive for the coronavirus is the latest result of China’s criminal negligence which allowed this virus to become a deadly pandemic. But it also reflects serious weaknesses in U.S. biodefenses that have been neglected for decades.  The Center for Security Policy did crucial work on this topic over the summer which it shared with senior Trump officials. This included our July 2020 book Defending Against Biothreats which provided a broad analysis of the pandemic, including China’s mishandling of the virus, bioterrorism, and how to improve U.S. biodefenses. The Center also held a series of popular biosecurity webinars. You can watch these webinars HERE.

Get well soon President Trump and Mrs. Trump!